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Dear Dolly,
How dressy is too dressy for a cocktail party? I have a killer dress that I would like to wear to a cocktail party this season, but I feel like it might be too much.
The answer to this question is “the sky’s the limit.” The rules are a lot easier to bend for holiday parties. You can wear that black strapless sequined mini dress (be sure to wear opaque black tights) to the office party and not feel too flashy or inappropriate. But many people will also wear nice black pants and a special top and feel just as comfortable. There really is a huge spectrum of “appropriate” for holiday cocktail attire. FYI—hold off on the jeans. They’re better for New Year’s Day.
Dear Dolly,
I see models wearing open toed shoes with stockings in the magazines. Is that really supposed to be applied in real life?
Yes. This trend is easily translated into real life, but with caution. You must have the perfect set of fabrics, shoes and colors. For instance, keep the fabric weight of the dress in mind. You wouldn’t want to wear opaque tights and heavy opened toe shoes with an ethereal chiffon party dress. But if you have a great gray cashmere sweater dress and a black patent peep-toe platform shoe, throw on a pair of opaque tights (preferably in dark purple or a darker shade of gray). Then you are able to see the peep toe and highlight the texture of the dress...and you have the perfect outfit of the season.
Dear Dolly,
How can I add extra sparkle to my holiday ensemble to make it more “holiday?”
To add some sparkle to your holiday wardrobe, get an extra long Lurex scarf and wrap it around your neck a couple of times. You can wear a plain black sweater and instantly your outfit becomes dramatic and festive! Chunky ornate necklaces are big now too. They serve the same purpose as the scarf but are a bit dressier. Do not attempt to wear the necklace and the scarf together.
Dear Dolly,
I can only afford to buy one clutch this season and it has to go with everything. What should I buy?
It is ALL about the clutch right now: Buy one immediately and wear it often! There are too many choices, but if you can only afford one, then go for one that can go from day to night. I would look at a neutral snakeskin (we show some sensational ones in this issue in The Get), maybe with some gold hardware for warmth. I love the practicality of the oversized envelope style clutch: It fits almost as much as a full sized handbag, but still fits comfortably under the arm. Be sure not to overstuff!